How to Make a Cardboard Toolbox

Make him a cardboard version of Dad's toolbox.

Transform a small or medium-size cardboard box with a lid into a toolbox for pretend play or for a handyman's Halloween costume. Create a toolbox that looks just like Dad's for a little boy by covering the cardboard box with a coat of paint and then adding a set of hinges to make the lid open and close just like a real toolbox. When the toolbox is ready, fill it with a set of play tools and give it as a gift to a special little handyman.

Things You'll Need

• Cardboard box with lid
• Newspaper
• Clear or colored child-friendly paint
• Piece of cardboard
• Hot glue gun
• 2 small hinges
• Stapler with staples

Instructions

1. Place the cardboard box on a newspaper-covered work surface and remove the lid. Cover the entire box, inside and out, with a clear or colored coat of child-friendly paint. Either the clear or colored coat of paint will help to make the cardboard toolbox last a bit longer through hours of play fun. Let the paint dry according to the instructions on the paint can.

2. Cut a 6-inch-by-1-inch strip of cardboard. Paint it with the same paint as the toolbox or a different color for the handle.

3. Apply a little bit of glue to the bottom of one of the hinges. Press the hinge against the top back of the box. Apply glue to the bottom of the other hinge and press it against the top back of the box, a few inches away from the first hinge.

4. Spread some glue on the top sections of the hinges. Place the lid on the box and press the hinges against the edge of the lid to join the lid to the toolbox.

5. Bend the 6-inch-long handle for the toolbox into a curved shape and center it on the top of the toolbox. Staple through the ends of the strip into the toolbox lid to attach it securely.

References

• "Disney's FamilyFun Crafts: 500 Creative Activities for You and Your Kids"; Deanna F. Cook; 1997